Letter from Cardinal Juan Sandoval Iñiguez to Pope Francis, advocating for the Mass of Saint Pius V, and International Endorsement by Personalities.
On July 6, Cardinal Juan Sandoval Iñiguez, Archbishop Emeritus of Guadalajara, penned a letter to Pope Francis, which he dispatched on Monday, July 8. In the letter, he urged that, amidst persistent rumors of an impending global restriction on the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass, the Tridentine Mass which has been celebrated for four centuries according to the rite of Saint Pius V, not be suppressed or suspended.
Diverse Catholic associations and news/internet platforms, among them Una Voce México, have called on personalities from around the world to endorse this petition launched by Cardinal Sandoval.
Below is a free translation of the letter sent by Cardinal Sandoval:
To His Holiness Pope Francis,
Bishop of Rome and Shepherd of the Universal Church.
Pope Francis, there are rumors that there is a definitive intention to prohibit the Latin Mass of Saint Pius V.
The Lord's Supper, which He commanded us to celebrate in His memory, has been celebrated throughout history in various rites and languages, always preserving the essentials: commemorating the death of Christ and partaking in the Table of the Bread of Eternal Life.
Even today, the Lord's Supper is celebrated in various rites and languages, both within and outside the Catholic Church.
It cannot be wrong what the Church has celebrated for four centuries, the Mass of Saint Pius V in Latin, with a rich and devout liturgy that naturally invites one to penetrate into the Mystery of God.
Several individuals and groups, both Catholic and non-Catholic, have expressed the desire for it not to be suppressed but preserved, because of the richness of its liturgy and in Latin, which alongside Greek, forms the foundation of not only Western culture but also other parts.
Pope Francis, do not allow this to happen. You are also the guardian of the historical, cultural, and liturgical richness of the Church of Christ.
Seeking your blessing, who esteems and always commends you.
Guadalajara, Jalisco, July 6, 2024,
+JUAN CARD. SANDOVAL IÑIGUEZ
Archbishop Emeritus of Guadalajara.
The call through which adherence to Cardinal Sandoval's letter has been requested is as follows:
Letter of Adherence to the request of His Eminence Don Juan Cardinal Sandoval Íñiguez to the Holy Father, regarding the celebration of the Holy Mass according to the missal known as that of Saint Pius V; dated July 6, 2024
We, the undersigned, inspired by the present letter of Cardinal Juan Sandoval Íñiguez, Archbishop Emeritus of Guadalajara, also wish to make our plea that the treasure known as the Mass of Saint Pius V, due to its spiritual and historical richness, be preserved and not restricted in the Church.
We attest that among the signatories there are those of us who attend the Mass celebrated with the Missal of Saint Pius V and those who attend the Mass of Saint Paul VI; we are united by the recognition of the value of this liturgical and cultural heritage and the desire for concord and unity in the Church.
[List of signatories follows - Source: Release by Una Voce Mexico]
